Senate Bill Expected to Strip Health Insurance from 17 Million Americans

President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal and related legislation, including the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' have raised significant concerns about healthcare access for millions of Americans. The bill, which has passed the Senate and is under further revision, includes over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), potentially causing around 17 million people to lose health insurance by 2034. These cuts would disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including rural communities and states that expanded Medicaid, undermining progress made under the ACA. Experts warn that the legislation could lead to fewer healthcare services, increased out-of-pocket costs, and hospital closures, thereby reversing decades of efforts toward universal coverage. While estimates vary slightly, nonpartisan analyses from the Congressional Budget Office and health policy organizations agree on the substantial negative impacts on healthcare coverage. Meanwhile, other elements of Trump's administration, such as budget cuts to cultural institutions and controversial appointments, have sparked additional debate about the broader implications of his policy agenda.